How much Snow can an Axis roof take?

[Dbadger777]

We made it back to the Mitten. I have an appointment in Wakarusa the 22nd of January, so I didn't put the coach in storage. I didn't count on 25 inches of snow. Do I need to be concerned about that much weight on the roof. I can't get up there and do it and I really don't want anybody up there scraping snow off.

[JamieGeek]

When I had to get our Axis out of storage for my Wakarusa appointment last year we had a good 6" of snow on the cover. It took a while but I got most of the snow off before removing the cover (even with an inch or so on the cover it was tough to get it off). Thus its a good idea that you're not covering it before your trip.

Since you're in Michigan I'd guess we also have the same amount of snow on ours right now (unless you're really far north and have a lot more--we're in Southeastern MI). I don't think you'll have any issue--we've had RVs in Michigan for close to 20 years now and none of them have had roof issues with Michigan winter snow.

[mcr1010]

Just a WAG, but I would guess it can't hold a great deal without some damage.
I would try to remove as much as possible. Also, not only for the load, but as it melts and freezes, could open some seams and give you some hard to find leaks.

[Bob Denman]

I agree... try to get as much off as you can: good luck!

[SuperD]

Look at it this way, a 200 lb man walking on the roof with the weight concentrated in small areas (footprints) vs weight of snow spread out over large area. The roof can handle a lot of weight if it is evenly distributed (snow). Bigger concern is your AC, when the snow starts to melt the snow will act as a dam and direct water into your coach (not good). Put a good quality cover over your AC, use a broom and remove the snow while you’re up there, sit back and dream of warmer weather!!!

[revjeffrey]

Call your closest dealer they probably have 100 of them sitting on the lot with the same amount as yours and ask him what they do.

[Miramar Owner]

I have had an RV for more than 30 years. I've never covered one and never had a roof leak. I went from a trailer to a class C to two different class A's. I believe the cover helps slow fading but with the new full body paint I don't see the need. I live in Iowa where we get cold and snow. As previously stated, look at the RV lots.

[Bob Denman]

If the dealerships had to hire gangs of workers to shovel off roofs: it'd make for a huge boon to the economy.

But they don't...

[gentilebrian]

25" of snow is a lot of weight. Google says a cubic foot of snow weighs between 15 and 20lbs depending on how compact it is.

To do some conservative math.

15lbs per cubic foot
28 feet long
8' wide
24" thick

28 feet long by 8 feet wide is 224 Square Feet.
2 cubic feet per 1 square foot. 224x2=448
Now take 448 cubic feet and times it by 15lbs.

Thats 6,720lbs.

Now 15lbs sounds heavy for a light fluffy snow but lets say the light fluffy snow only weighs half that you are talking 3,360lbs.

I would try to clear it off for sure.

I find a easy way to get snow off is driving fast.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by gentilebrian

I find a easy way to get snow off is driving fast.

If you try that in New York State: someone will end up having a long talk with your about it...

What if you put a tarp up over the roof; with some extra long ropes tied to the corners? I would think that you could throw the ropes back up over the top, and use the trap to roll the snow off to one side of the rig.

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by gentilebrian

25" of snow is a lot of weight. Google says a cubic foot of snow weighs between 15 and 20lbs depending on how compact it is.



To do some conservative math.



15lbs per cubic foot

28 feet long

8' wide

24" thick



28 feet long by 8 feet wide is 224 Square Feet.

2 cubic feet per 1 square foot. 224x2=448

Now take 448 cubic feet and times it by 15lbs.



Thats 6,720lbs.



Now 15lbs sounds heavy for a light fluffy snow but lets say the light fluffy snow only weighs half that you are talking 3,360lbs.



I would try to clear it off for sure.



I find a easy way to get snow off is driving fast.

But it’s spread out over those 224 sq ft. The actual loading is only 30 pounds per sq ft. This is much (much!) less than walking on it. That leaves the question of whether 3 tons puts you over your GVWR. it probably does, but not hopelessly and you won’t be driving it that way. It’s an interesting question and if it was mine I probably would go and knock as much off as I could with a push broom, but I’m betting it won’t hurt anything.

[Bob Denman]

Easy answer.

If it doesn't make you nervous: leave it alone!
If it does: figure out a way to remove it!

It's your rig to take care of in the manner that you deem proper.

[tenbear]

I have never shoveled my roof. It is not covered and we do get lots of snow here in northern Vermont. Never have had a problem.

At one time, several years ago, I did start to shovel the snow off but it didn't take me long to realize that I would probably cause more damage by trying to shovel than the snow would cause.

Right now we have a foot of settled snow on the roof and the forecast is 5 - 8 inches tonight and another similar storm in a couple of days. I don't plan on doing any shoveling.

As a previous poster said, what do the dealers do???

[ThePowells]

Find a low overpass with about 6 inches of clearance and hammer down.



NAAH, I'd be afraid of popping A/C covers and skylights.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by ThePowells

Find a low overpass with about 6 inches of clearance and hammer down.



NAAH, I'd be afraid of popping A/C covers and skylights.

Let me know which overpass, and when you do this!
I'll be there with a camera!

[ThePowells]

11 FOOT 8 - The Canopener Bridge

They already have a camera.

[Dbadger777]

Sorry about lack of reply. With my appointment in Wakarusa approaching I didn't want to drive it with that much snow on the roof. Plus I think it's against the law. I bought a 10 foot section of PVC pipe and a 90 degree fitting. With a good amount of duct tape holding it together, I commenced to blow it off the roof while standing safely on the ground.
It was slow going until my son showed up with his backpack blower. Our temps have been well below freezing, so the show was still fluffy. Now that its done, its going to be 50 degrees one day this week. Oh well, that's Michigan.

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by Dbadger777

Sorry about lack of reply. With my appointment in Wakarusa approaching I didn't want to drive it with that much snow on the roof. Plus I think it's against the law. I bought a 10 foot section of PVC pipe and a 90 degree fitting. With a good amount of duct tape holding it together, I commenced to blow it off the roof while standing safely on the ground.
It was slow going until my son showed up with his backpack blower. Our temps have been well below freezing, so the show was still fluffy. Now that its done, its going to be 50 degrees one day this week. Oh well, that's Michigan.

Very smart idea!!!

I’ve been using a leaf blower to keep the snow cleaned off of our deck, works great if the snow is dry.

[Bob Denman]

I agree!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8o5fxnDUjs